Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, Virginia, has excellent golf plus a boatload of other things to do

With three excellent golf courses and one neat little nine-hole layout, you would think Kingsmill Resort & Spa in Williamsburg, Virginia, would be a top golf destination. It is. But it has so much more going for it.

Kingsmill, just minutes from the heart of Colonial Williamsburg and brushing up against Busch Gardens, is a perfect choice for those who want to come here with family or friends and play golf guilt free even if no one else cares a whit about the game.

While you are teeing up at Pete Dye’s splendid River Course soaking up views of the James River, your nongolfing gang could be savoring a cup of coffee and a pastry at The Mill while they plan their day.

If there are some thrill seekers in the group, Busch Gardens with the roller coasters and high energy rides may be just the ticket to kick off their vacation. Or while you are having your own thrills digging your way out of a deep bunker, your travel companions’ only angst: could be which spa treatment to book.

Your kids will hardly know you’re rounding the turn on the scenic Woods Course, a solid Curtis Strange/Tom Clark design which has recovered quite nicely from the recent tornado which brought more than 2,000 trees down: they will be having a fun-filled time at Kids Kamp.

Later you may take everyone out to play the par-3, nine-hole Bray Course where the longest hole is but 110 yards. It’s a perfect family course and is sometimes used for night golf where glowing balls light the dark skies.

On another day while you are pounding out hole no. 11 on the Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay Plantation Course, a 434-yard meat grinder par 4, your pals might be finding out all about what life was like 200 years ago as they tour Jamestown Settlement or Colonial Williamstown. Here American history comes alive with costumed guides and extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits including three working replicas of the ships which brought settlers to Virginia’s shores.

You too get a brief glimpse of history as you reach the last two holes on the River Course as pilings of the original pier leading from the banks into the James River, can still be seen in the water. There are other reminders of the past on the Plantation Course as well as the River Course including the foundations of historic buildings. Specific places of interest are marked by plaques including one noting the site of one of an original Indian village.

One-, two- and three-bedroom villas will easily accommodate your group. Your balcony will look over the James River, Wareham’s Pond, or golf courses and you’ll have extra conveniences like a kitchen, flat screen tvs, and wi-fi service.

There are plenty of options for dining. For casual dining try Regattas where pizza and pasta is on the menu or go to The Marina Bar & Grille overlooking the harbor and yachts where the seafood is as good as the views and on chilly nights, you can gather around the fire pit for some camaraderie.

Executive Chef Peter Pahk, who recently came to Kingsmill from California, has been busy creating all kinds of interesting fare starring local produce, fish and meat. Many of his signature dishes appear on the menu at Eagles. Known for its beechwood-smoked cooking – the filet is amazing – Eagles is located in the golf clubhouse.

Any who wish to simply do nothing can lounge by the expansive indoor or outdoor pool or head to the sports club for racquetball or a little heavy lifting in the exercise room. And for those with an interest in fishing, Wareham’s Pond, site of the Bass Pro Shootout, is an angler’s dream for rock fish, bass and other freshwater fish.

Kingsmill has plenty of water toys including kayaks and paddleboats along with jet boating and parasailing (something new at Kingsmill). With 15 tennis courts, Kingsmill is one of the top tennis resorts in the country.

It is more than likely you will run out of time before you run out of things to do here – did I mention hiking and biking? Next time, you may even want to leave your clubs home. Click here for more information. Kingsmill.com

Katharine Dyson is a golf and travel writer for several national publications as well as guidebook author and radio commentator. Her journeys have taken her around the world playing courses and finding unique places to stay. She is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, Metropolitan Golf Writers of America; Golf Travel Writers Organization and Society of American Travel Writers.

The Inn at Scotch Hall offers four beautifully appointed bedrooms en suite. Guests can enjoy a comfortable common area and kitchen. A large back patio opens to two pond-side fire pits for evening parties and late night star gazing, starting from $147.